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Texas Commercial Driver’s Licenses: Special Considerations

editor • Apr 04, 2018

Your Livelihood On the Line

 

If you rely on your commercial driver’s license to make a living, protecting that license should be a top priority. When something threatens your commercial driver’s license (CDL), it’s essential you jump into action immediately to fully exercise your rights regarding your driving privileges. Otherwise, you risk losing your CDL and your job.

 

Disqualifying Offenses

 

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can disqualify your CDL temporarily or permanently for a number of offenses , including traffic violations. For example, the DPS will disqualify your CDL for:

 

  • 60 days if convicted of two serious traffic violations (such as reckless driving) within a three-year period
  • 60 days for a first railroad-highway grade crossing violation
  • 120 days if convicted of three serious traffic violations within a three-year period
  • 120 days for two railroad-highway grade crossing violations in a three-year period
  • At least three years for offenses such as DWI and leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
  • Life if you use your motor vehicle in the commission of a felony
  • Life if you knowingly transport an alien.

 

It’s important to note that the DPS can disqualify your CDL even for moving violations committed when in your personal vehicle.

 

Your Right to Contest

 

As a commercial driver, your CDL is invaluable. Losing it, even for a short period of time, can ruin your career. The good news is you can request a hearing through the DPS to contest your CDL disqualification. Always take advantage of this opportunity. You must submit your request within 20 days of notice of your disqualification or you forfeit your right to contest.

 

If your license is suspended through the Texas Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program, you only have 15 days in which to request a hearing. The ALR program is an administrative process that suspends the licenses of anyone arrested for a DWI who refused to take or failed a breath or blood BAC (blood alcohol concentration) test.

 

Jump into Action

 

As you can see, there are steps you can take to save your CDL, but you must take those steps promptly and strategically if you are to prevail. Immediately requesting an administrative hearing through the DPL or the ALR is your first step. When your very career is on the line, it can be difficult to manage your case efficiently, which is where an attorney can step in to help.

 

With so much at stake, you will need to work closely with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney. In addition to contesting your disqualification, it is also important to fight the disqualifying charges you face. You will have your hands full if you are facing a CDL disqualification and will have to deal with both the administrative side of your suspension as well as the criminal charges you face. The only way to have the best chance at saving your license is to work with a seasoned attorney experienced in CDL defense.

 

If you’re facing CDL disqualification in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys will advise you on the best course of action. With law offices in Dallas and Denton, our attorneys provide compassionate legal services to Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall and Tarrant counties. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of criminal cases including DWI/DUI , assault/family violence, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Call (214) 329-9433, email clients@jbabblaw.com, or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.

 

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